Luke Chapter 14 · Verse 4
And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡσύχασαν
they held their peace
G2270
ἡσύχασαν
they held their peace
Strong's:
G2270
Word #:
3 of 9
to keep still (intransitively), i.e., refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιλαβόμενος
he took
G1949
ἐπιλαβόμενος
he took
Strong's:
G1949
Word #:
5 of 9
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
That the Pharisees remained silent rather than affirming healing's lawfulness reveals their hard hearts. They knew Scripture taught God's compassion (Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8), yet their traditions had obscured this truth. Jesus' touch was significant—He wasn't afraid of ritual defilement, and His holiness purified rather than being contaminated. The healing validated Jesus' authority and exposed the Pharisees' spiritual bankruptcy. This pattern—Jesus healing, opponents silenced but still hostile—characterized much of His ministry and foreshadowed His ultimate rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Pharisees' silence reveal about conscience when tradition contradicts truth?
- How does Jesus' immediate action after their silence model decisive obedience to God's will?
- In what ways does this healing demonstrate that true religion serves human flourishing rather than restricting it?
Analysis & Commentary
The response: 'And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.' The phrase 'they held their peace' (ἡσύχασαν, hēsychasan) indicates silence—they couldn't answer without self-incrimination. Their silence gave implicit permission, so Jesus 'took him' (ἐπιλαβόμενος, epilabomenos, took hold of), 'healed him' (ἰάσατο, iasato), and 'let him go' (ἀπέλυσεν, apelysen, released/sent away). The swift action prevented objection. Jesus healed by touch, demonstrating His power and compassion. The man's immediate departure suggests complete healing and perhaps wisdom to leave before controversy erupted. Jesus showed that mercy takes priority over tradition.